Many of last year's features will remain the same, but Maryland Jockey Club spokesman Mike Gathagan said organizers adopted some of what they saw when the Virgin Festival was held at Pimlico in August. "We learned a great deal from the Virgin Festival," Gathagan said. "There's always room to learn."
Biggest changes: To accommodate the more than 60,000 fans expected to occupy the infield, there will be 16 food and beverage tents; there were none last year. Pimlico also has expanded the Turfside Terrace by adding a fifth section and the Clubhouse Turn Reserved by adding a third section and another suite to increase the total to seven.
What hasn't changed: Tickets are at a premium. Seating is only available at the Turfside Terrace and the Top of the Stretch, and the cheapest ticket is $100 at the Top of the Stretch. The Grandstand does offer standing-room-only tickets for $30 each, but standing room only really does mean standing room only.
Best time to get there: The gates don't open until 8:30 a.m., but Gathagan suggests getting to Pimlico before 8 a.m. if you want a prime spot in the infield. "People have spotted an area for 20 years," he said. "It's a rite of spring in Baltimore, and they know where they want to be."
Best place to park: If you have a parking pass, you're golden. Otherwise, good luck jockeying (pun intended) with other motorists trying to get one of the 13,900-plus parking spots located in eight lots surrounding the track.
Best time to get food: Gathagan said most people line up at the dining areas between races. So if you don't mind missing a race to avoid a long line, that's the time to go.
Best time to use the restroom: Whenever possible. Though sections such as the Grandstand, Turfside Terrace and the PNC Bank Preakness Village have their own restrooms, the infield will have about 130 portable toilets. That could make for a long day.
Best time to bet: Even though there will be more than 1,000 betting windows throughout the track, lines are longest two to three minutes before races, when almost 80 percent of the wagers are placed, said Dennis Smoter, vice president of wagering and simulcast operations for the Maryland Jockey Club. To avoid looking like a novice when betting, make sure you name the track, race number, type of wager, amount wagered and number(s) of your horse(s).